[[A Preface to My Meditations]] In this chapter, there is a history of King David’s last acts in his old age, Adonijah’s rebellion, and the beginning of Solomon’s reign. David had become old, and needed a full-time nurse to care for him. It seems he may have been past the ability to properly govern his kingdom, since the text says that he did not know it when Adonijah arrogated to himself the kingship. Or, perhaps he did know of it, but failed to correct his son. “And his father had not displeased him at any time In saying, Why hast thou done so?” verse 6. This seemed to be a pattern with David in his later years. This was also the case with Absalom, Adonijah’s elder brother, before his rebellion. Fathers (and other superiors) should take care to correct and admonish those under their authority early, or else they may grow up to become obstinate sinners. There seemed to be a failure in David’s part also in not securing Solomon’s claim to the throne earlier. God had promised David that Solomon would be the king, and had confirmed this by Nathan the prophet. Perhaps he hadn’t made this public knowledge, or perhaps Adonijah knew of this, but rejected it anyway, and thought his claim was better since he was older. Those that are greatest in the world’s eyes should humble themselves when God passes them by for greatness in his purposes. Both Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet humbly petitioned David. They each knew of God’s directive that Solomon should sit on the throne, but they didn’t subvert David’s authority by stepping in where he should have. They showed great respect, even bowing down to him. When those in authority over us seem to have some failure, we should not disregard their authority, but humbly request that they exercise it. A humble treaty may turn their hearts, while strong rebukes may harden them. ”Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father…” 1 Timothy 5:1. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger,” Proverbs 15:1. David confirms Solomon’s claim, and commands that he be crowned as the king. Although Adonijah had declared himself king, and many of David’s courtiers had defected to him, David still enforced his authority. It is never too late to correct faults, even if they become deeply entrenched. The noise of Solomon’s coronation strikes fear in the hearts of the rebels. “Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee,” Psalm 45:5. Not only did Solomon have the force of David’s decree behind him, he also had the force of God’s decree. If God is for us, we need not fear any of those that stand against him. Solomon here, like Christ, shows mercy to those who stood against him. This mercy, however, is contingent on their true repentance. God himself offers this mercy to his own enemies. “He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living,” Job 33:27-30. May God grant me spiritual eyes to see my own sins, and may he help me turn back to him daily, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Next: [[Meditation on 1 Kings 2|1 Kings 2]]